Good Book: Little House on the Prairie

Life on the Prairie is simple. There are no TV screens, DS games or Polly Pockets. The girls enjoyed a quiet, theatrical afternoon playing Mary & Laura Wilder. We even had a Prairie inspired dinner - cooked by these pioneers!

Don't forget good ol' Jack (the dog)!

I Do Not Choose to Be a Common Man

It is my right to be uncommon - if I can.

I seek opportunity - not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me.

I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and succeed.

I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm utopia.

I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat.

It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations and to face the world boldly and say, "This I have done."

By Dean Alfange

FREEDOM is not FREE

"Opportunity"

Out of the many blessings God has given, this is my favorite!

12 Years     5 Kids     0 Regrets

Facebook isn't real...or is it?

I am the outsider who is mocked and pitied for NOT having a Facebook page. There are so many benefits, they tell me. Pictures, old friends re-kindled, even family bonds are strengthened among this community. These are good things, I must admit.

But, I fear that this on-screen "reality" captivates so many. People are reduced to random still shots from their camera phone. Conversations are shortened to sentences, even single letters. Privacy is a quaint modesty from the past. Emotions are expressed as little humorous icons. Time is wasted on caring for a farm that doesn't exist.

It began to bother me when my real-time friends began discussing their life on Facebook. Who was doing what? Did you see what so and so said? How's your farm today? It was not jealousy because I was left out. Rather, it was silent shock at the irrelevance of their concerns. This mass movement of media is not simply a game played in free time. Facebook has changed our reality even outside of the cyber-world.

The sad part is, everyone is enamored with the new reality. Where friendship is a number game, where intimacy is entirely public, where I think about me - not us.

I hope my children will never be limited to living on Facebook.

Our FACE in a BOOK page!

Have you ever tried to buy a baby?

I think they've tried it on E-Bay and I'm sure it's illegal, even in person. 

But, seriously, if you have enough swings and things- maybe you'll be a good parent.

 No, you will be a GREAT parent.

And then, when they turn ONE year old throw a huge birthday party (that they will not remember) invite everyone you can think of, bring balloons and a big cake. Don't forget the impressive gift.

At about THREE find a really nice daycare. Make sure it is really homey (like home) and it serves nutritious meals.

When you get to FIVE, it's a breeze! Send them to school and "professionals" will take it from there.

Don't forget to sprinkle in lots of extra-curricular (like Dance and Karate) for that well-rounded, college-bound CUTIE!

You can check off the registry item for every stage of their life - but you can't buy that baby. The whispered secret among most parents is that you CAN. Don't believe their silent lies. Don't cower from their disapproving looks.

Love, teach, and protect that baby...

so that she, too, will be free.

Dirty Hands

Like most families we spend a lot of time trying to clean up the kids, after all we want them to be healthy and presentable as they prepare to engage the world in which we live. However it cannot be denied that sometimes the very best preparation is to get your hands good and dirty.

Collecting Eggs

Checking out the new chickens

Getting friendly with a baby Bison!